Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction:

Delight in the wholesome goodness of our Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting—a nutritious twist on classic muffins that’s perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Packed with the goodness of fresh carrots, apples, and zucchini, these muffins offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting, they are sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Follow our detailed recipe below to create these delicious treats that are also friendly to those following the Weight Watchers (WW) plan.

Benefits of Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins:

Our Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins offer several health benefits:

  • Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Fiber-Packed: Includes fiber from carrots, apples, and zucchini, promoting digestive health and satiety.
  • Low in SmartPoints®: Made with wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free treat on the WW plan.

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
  • 1/2 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In another bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
    • Fold in grated carrots, zucchini, and apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Fill Muffin Cups:
    • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  6. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
    • Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and well combined.
  8. Frost the Muffins:
    • Once the muffins are completely cooled, spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top of each muffin.
  9. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting as a delicious breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
    • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information:

  • Muffin (per serving, without frosting):
    • Calories: 150
    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
    • Cholesterol: 25mg
    • Sodium: 180mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 26g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 4g
  • Cream Cheese Frosting (per serving):
    • Calories: 40
    • Total Fat: 2g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 5mg
    • Sodium: 30mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 5g
    • Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 1g

SmartPoints® (WW):

  • Each muffin without frosting is approximately 4 SmartPoints® on the WW plan. Each tablespoon of cream cheese frosting adds approximately 1 SmartPoint®.

Additional Tips:

  • Variations: Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose and whole wheat flours.
  • Storage: Muffins can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

Enjoy the wholesome and flavorful goodness of our Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting—a nutritious treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast option or a delightful snack, these muffins deliver on taste and nutrition without compromising on health. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious muffins and savor the delightful combination of carrots, apples, and zucchini in every bite. Perfect for those following the WW plan, these muffins are a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy with peace of mind.